Police called to 'illegal rave' by Ashton Gate as locals fume

Avon and Somerset Police have confirmed they were called to respond to an 'unlicensed music event' in South Bristol overnight. In a post to X (formerly Twitter) at 4.47am on Sunday (October 27), the force said: "Officers are responding to an unlicensed music event off Winterstoke Road, Bristol.

"We know this is impacting the local community. We would like to reassure the public we are in attendance to prevent more people accessing the site and seeking to bring it to a safe conclusion."

According to locals, it seems the event took place at the former Wickes DIY store, the site of which was sold off to Bristol Sport as part of plans to convert the area into the Sporting Quarter. One X user posted a message to Bristol Sport, to say: "You need to sort out your security at Wickes as there's currently a bloody rave going on there!"

Another directed their post to Avon and Somerset Police directly, writing that the constabulary needed to "get to Wickes and shut down the illegal rave that's been going on for four hours". The poster added: "Remind me, what are we paying council tax for? @Bristol_Sport need to comment about this too."

A third commented: "Anyone wanna gate crash a rave in Bedminster, it's been going on since 12 and the bass is still thumping. Address is 150 Winterstoke Road, Ashton Gate, Bristol, BS3 2LQ."

The exact location on the 'unlicensed music event' has not been officially confirmed.

Meanwhile, on community platform, 'Nextdoor', Bristolians from as far away as Hengrove, Whitchurch and Brislington posted to say they could also hear the loud music where they were.

In an update at 10.37am on Sunday (October 27), Avon and Somerset Police posted to X to say: "Our policing operation in response to an unauthorised music event in Winterstoke Road, Bristol, is ongoing. Dedicated resources are in the area and the music has been stopped. We recognise the significant impact this has had on residents and will provide updates in due course."

A spokesperson for Ashton Gate Stadium Ltd on Sunday said: “We can confirm there was a break-in overnight to one of the buildings adjacent to the stadium which is currently partly used by a food charity as a distribution hub to food banks in the South West. The site was secure and has been unlawfully accessed.

“We fully sympathise how disturbing and disruptive it has been to local residents. We are working with Avon & Somerset Police to take all action possible against those involved in the damage and disruption overnight.

“We hope the repair and security work required will not disrupt the charity’s important work in the local community.”